Verdon Canyon

Europe’s most spectacular canyon, wild, unspoilt territory where extreme sports and sensations reign supreme. From the top hill villages you can enjoy a wonderful view all the way down to the lake of the gorges.

Green Provence

Rivers, mountains, vineyards, a sacred forest, the Sainte-Baume where St. Mary Magdalene took refuge: This green landscape was a haven of peace for the counts of Provence who sheltered from the hot weather in their castles during the summer.

Mediterranean Provence

From fishing villages to mountain-top villages, from the vines of Bandol to the palm trees of the îles d’Or, Mediterranean Provence holds out one of Europe’s loveliest coastlines and natural sites of exceptionally unspoilt character.

Bay of St Tropez & French Riviera

The Mediterranean’s most renowned corner of paradise, with the hilltop village-strewn Massif des Maures as its backdrop. The vivid red of the Estérel rocks contrasts with the indigo of the sea as you journey back through time.

Secret Provence

On the trail of Europe's ancient civilisations, these breathtaking hilly landscapes set in the heart of traditional Provence positively brim with vineyards of renown, picturesque mediaeval villages, monasteries and craft workshops.

Nautical Distances

SAINT CYR SUR MER: Introduction to the Calanques beauties

Surrounded by pine forests and famed vineyards, to be discovered along the Sentier des Vignes, the bay has a 2-km fine sandy beach that is on the Sentier du Littoral coastal path, with the fabulous Calanques de Cassis rocky inlets nearby.

BANDOL: Wine Capital of Provence

A highly prized seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur, Bandol offers many fine sandy beaches and a bustling seafront lined with pretty shops. Bandol is famous for its wines, which are served at the finest restaurants around the world.

SANARY SUR MER: The authenticity of Provence, the charm of the Riviera

You are sure to be seduced by this authentic little fishing village, with its rows of traditional, brightly coloured boats. All year round, in the shade of its bustling streets, lovers of art, crafts and design will be in their element.

LES EMBIEZ ISLAND: A shelter for nature & oceanography lovers

TOULON: A port in the heart of the city

Between sea and mountain, in the heart of one of Europe’s finest natural harbours, maritime and Provençal Toulon is sure to amaze you with its beaches, cable car, old town, authentic Provençal market and a host of other treasures.

FREJUS A LAND OF ELEGANCE

SAINT RAPHAËL: French Riviera and Gateway to the French Gran Canyon

Overhanged by the Massif de l’Esterel (characteristic ochre moutain range), Saint Raphaël and Fréjus, vibrant and bustling, offer a host of nautical and nature activities. The Gorges du Verdon, France’s very own Grand Canyon, and the hinterland villages, abound in appeal.

Gastronomy & Local Region

Var, a gentle land where the simple joys of good living and good food are cultivated. Come and discover the pleasures of our countryside, the protected natural environment, local producers and good food with the subtle flavours of our Provence.

The Good Life

With its natural and cultural riches, each visitor may find in Var a real box of authentic delights: crickets beneath the breeze, fields of lavender and olive trees, vines and orchards, fine sandy beaches, Provence markets, warm and colourful…

Crafts

The department’s artists and craft workers invite you to meet them in their workshops, so they may share their knowledge and methods with you, along with their tools, their tricks of the trade and their passion.

Themed Trails

These trails are an original means of discovering the many faces of Var: history, nature and the land... They point you towards Var’s best-kept secrets and subtleties, inviting you to breathe in, savour, listen and contemplate during your stay.

Sports and Leisure

With its varied landscapes, its tumultuous rivers, its peaceful lakes, its mountains, its hiking and discovery trails, its thick forests, not to mention its coastline and its 300 days of sunshine a year, Var represents the ideal place for a whole range of outdoor activities.

Architectural Heritage

Var, the land that welcomed civilisations and trade, offers astonishing architectural heritage. Discover medieval villages and the wealth of religious heritage with its shrines, chapels, churches and Charterhouses.

Natural Heritage

Var has a very rich natural heritage, to the delight of nature lovers. You will be seduced by the many massifs and hillsides wooded with pines and oaks, terraced olive groves and paths running through the vines.

History

Var abounds in many relics, bearing witness to its history. From megaliths to Roman cities, to the memorial to the Second World War, Var reveals its rich past through remarkable natural sites and museums.

Pictures Gallery HYERES

HYERES

Hyeres, the French Riviera's back garden

A privileged destination on the French Riviera, Hyères is one of the oldest Mediterranean resorts.

In the 19th century, it was most popular during the winter when the climate remained warm and the orange trees were in full bloom.

Following on the heels of Queen Victoria, many celebrities spent time in Hyères, including the writers Joseph Conrad, Louis Stevenson, Leo Tolstoy, Lamartine, Saint John-Perse, etc. The American writer Edith Wharton even purchased a house here, splitting her time between writing and gardening. Nearby, in the upper part of town, the couple of cultural patrons de Noailles had a modernist villa built.

Nowadays, you can visit the Medieval town as well as the salt marshes which have now been turned into an extraordinary bird reservation. You will also be able to take a cooking class during which a chef will teach you local recipes such as the bouillabaisse, a typically Provencal fish soup, cooked in a cauldron...and of course, get to enjoy it afterward in the settings of a historic villa.

Of course, you will also be able to do...nothing, lazying about in the sun the time of a beach afternoon and taking a refreshing dive in the crystal-clear waters of the National Park. Hyères is also a great sports destination, allowing you to take a hike in beautiful nature, cycle along the coast, or enjoy water sports such as kite-surfing, standing paddle and kayaking. Hyères and nowhere else.